Florida AG Subpoenas MLB in Bible Verse Probe, Seeking July 23 Records
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 19
Florida AG Subpoenas MLB in Bible Verse Probe, Seeking July 23 Records
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 19
Summary
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier served MLB with a subpoena opening a civil-rights investigation over warnings issued to three San Francisco Giants players for writing a Bible verse on Pride Night caps.
July 23 at 9 a.m. is MLB’s deadline to turn over documents on how it classified the June 2026 cap writing, what triggered the review, and whether the warning matched its treatment of comparable non-religious expression.
Uthmeier argues MLB may have selectively enforced uniform rules against religious speech, citing past allowances for a 2019 tribute message and 2020 Black Lives Matter and diversity patches.
MLB has said the warning was solely about its uniform code, not the players’ beliefs, but Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has also demanded assurances by June 25 that no player will be disciplined.
The dispute now reaches four teams across Florida and Missouri, widening a Pride Night backlash that recently spilled into independent baseball when the York Revolution forfeited after players refused LGBTQ-themed jerseys.
Facing federal and state probes, can MLB create a uniform policy that satisfies both civil rights law and its brand?
When corporate rules and player beliefs collide, where does Major League Baseball draw the line on its uniforms?
Florida AG Subpoenas MLB Over Bible Verse Cap Incident: Religious Discrimination, Pride Night Policies, and Federal Civil Rights Probe
Overview
The Florida Attorney General launched an investigation after San Francisco Giants pitchers Landen Roupp and Sam Hentges chose not to wear Pride-themed caps during a Pride Night event—Roupp wore a cap with a Bible verse, while Hentges wore the regular team cap. Both players explained their decisions were based on personal religious beliefs. Major League Baseball responded by clarifying its uniform policy, stating it does not police specific messages but prohibits writing on caps in general, and confirmed no disciplinary action was taken. However, the Florida AG was not satisfied, viewing MLB’s actions as possible religious discrimination and issuing a subpoena for more information.